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American Sign Language

08.30.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

People with a hearing disability have the most profound way of communicating; with their hands. This is the language of the Deaf and just like the spoken word, other countries and regions of the world have different sign language.nnASL or American Sign Language utilizes the use of hands to communicate words. It is the fourth most used language in America and is utilized by the Deaf to communicate with others.nnHow American Sign Language got started is not known, but what we do know is that it was brought to America by a French man named Laurent Clerc who set up the first school for the Deaf here in the US. Clerc taught French Sign Language (FSL) to Americans, and as a result, ASL and FSL are similar, but knowing one does not mean you can understand the other. nnEye sight is the most important tool a deaf person has in order to communicate with others. By using the hands to make shapes as well as using ****** expressions and body language, a hearing impaired person can communicate and connect with others. It takes dedicated study to become fluent in sign language.nnAmerican Sign Language is different from the English language. It has grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, how it is used in different regions as well as common colloquialisms. Each region has different expressions for sign language. Just as we express tone in speech to convey an emotion, deaf people utilize body language and ****** expressions to do the same.nnWhy is Sign Language the first method of communication?nnParents of a child are the first to introduce language or methods of communication to a child. If a child is born deaf and the parents are deaf as well, the child will learn sign language as it is the language of the household. However, if a child is born deaf and the parents are not hearing impaired, the parents will learn sign language along with the child in order to communicate.nnThe first six months of life are the most important to a child’s development of language skills. All newborns should be screened for hearing loss before they go home. Early diagnosis of hearing loss gives parents a chance to research communication options. Parents are able to start the language development process during this time.nnAge is an important issue in learning ASL. The earlier sign language is taught, particularly before starting school, the better the outcome for communicating competently with others.

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